TH-350 for towing?

[Stewart G Griffin]

What's towing capacity for a turbo 350?

[zieg85]

There is a lot to consider when answering that question.  The hitch classification is the main safety issue.  Class II or III?  Hitch ball on the bumper, what is the bumper rated.  When getting into the heavier trailers the engine/rear end ratio comes into to play getting the towed moving but braking is even more important.  Your truck as I remember has a 2.73 with a 305.  I am going to guess it might struggle towing anything with a high wind resistance.  TH350 is a good trans.  A quality transmission cooler is a good thing to help insure the transmission doesn't overheat.  Electric brake controller is a must when towing with a 1/2 ton.  I am sure others will chime in on this.

[bake74]

     I do not know the exact weight that is stated for a th 350 to tow, but I do know that a lot of rebuilders do not like the 350-c for towing.  They say that when they added the lock-up converter in the 80's they sacrificed some of the strength of the transmission.

[Stewart G Griffin]

It's actually 2.56 with a 305 and yes it struggles with anything heavier than say a bass boat and trailer nevermind anything with wind resistance.

i'm juggling options here as far as upgrading or just getting another truck.

Basically, i want to tow about 5000lbs.-----average car and tandem axle open car trailer, which i know a 1/2 ton really can't do, but thought i could do it temporarily, because, as you know, i'm cheap.   Weight distributing hitch, lower axle ratio.

[VileZambonie]

Towing with 2.56:1 final drive ratio is your problem. It might be OK once you hit 55mph otherwise you'll probably want to avoid going up any hills. 3.42:1 with a 700R4 will be better for towing, mileage, and for the sake of enjoying what your driving.